Bayer Consumer Health launched the China Center of Innovation and Partnership (CCIP) in Shanghai with an investment of approximately €20 million, aiming to integrate more deeply into the country’s innovation ecosystem. The CCIP aims to build an integrated innovation partnership network that connects efforts from the industry, academia and research, with the aim of accelerating and transforming R&D innovation and scientific achievements in China, a market expected to continue rapid growth in the coming years for the consumer health business of Bayer. China is one of the strongest growth engines for Bayer globally, and the second-largest market for consumer health, mainly including categories such as nutrition, digestive health and skincare. The establishment of CCIP is another important step for the company to increase investment in China, and helps further practice its principle of “in China, for China, benefiting the world”.
Arturo Sanchez, Manager of Commercial Operations in the Asia-Pacific and Latin America of Bayer Consumer Health, said: “China plays a crucial role in global innovation. The vibrant economic and societal landscape here presents unique opportunities to improve and expand selfcare solutions.” David Evendon-Challis, Chief Scientific Officer and Chief Marketing Officer of Bayer Consumer Health, said the investment is mainly not in infrastructure, but in partnerships and innovation. “CCIP brings together lots of different types of partnerships for the first time. As a flagship, we hope such a model to be rolled out around the world following its success in China,” he said. From both R&D and market perspectives, China has become an important source of global innovations for Bayer Consumer Health. By 2023, innovations in China accounted for 15% of Bayer Consumer Health’s global innovation portfolio, and it is expected to contribute over 30% to local business growth in 2024, one of the highest proportions in the world.
In addition to empowering local innovation partners, CCIP will further integrate consumer needs in China, the Asia-Pacific and the world, leveraging Bayer’s global network to accelerate innovation achievements from China to go global. The company already has two supply centers in the country, one in Kunming, Yunnan province, and the other in Qidong, Jiangsu province. Last week, the company broke ground on its second center in Qidong. “The investment in the first phase of the new Qidong site is about CNY600 million. It is scheduled to complete construction by 2026 and kick off operation by 2028,” said Julio Triana, President of Bayer Consumer Health and Member of the Board of Management of Bayer, the China Daily reports.
